To clarify the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions:
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Elastic Collisions: In these types of collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This means that after the collision, the total kinetic energy of the system remains the same as it was before the collision. Elastic collisions often involve objects bouncing off each other without any loss of kinetic energy, but they can also occur in other forms without stickiness, such as in some atomic and subatomic interactions.
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Inelastic Collisions: In an inelastic collision, momentum is still conserved, but kinetic energy is not. Some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as sound, heat, or deformation energy. When objects stick together after colliding, it is a specific type of inelastic collision known as a perfectly inelastic collision.
Based on this understanding, the correct statements are:
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If there is no loss of kinetic energy in the collision, it is elastic.
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If there is energy lost in the collision to sound, heat, etc., the collision is inelastic.
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If the collision involves sticking together, it is inelastic.
Thus, the accurate descriptions should clearly identify that elastic collisions conserve kinetic energy, while inelastic collisions do not.
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